Android games generate more cash than Sony, Nintendo handhelds in Q2

Consumer spending on games created for Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android outstripped spending on titles for gaming-optimized handheld devices for the first time ever during the second quarter of 2013, App Annie and IDC report.

Combined spending on games available from the Google Play storefront and Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) rival App Store is now four times higher than spending on games for Nintendo's 3DS and Sony's PlayStation Portable and Vita handhelds, App Annie and IDC said. Games now represent more than 40 percent of all app downloads and more than 70 percent of total app revenues in both Google Play and the App Store, with Android gaming growth fueled by the Asia Pacific market, in particular Japan and South Korea.

Source: App Annie and IDC

Supercell's Clash of Clans was the top-grossing iOS game worldwide during the second quarter, followed by GungHo Online's Puzzle & Dragons, King's Candy Crush Saga, Supercell's Hay Day and Electronic Arts' The Simpsons: Tapped Out. Puzzle & Dragons out-grossed all Google Play titles, ahead of Candy Crush Saga and three titles for South Korea's Kakao gaming platform: WeMade's Windrunner, Devsisters' Cookie Run and CJ E&M's Fives.

Total Google Play app downloads exceeded App Store installs by 10 percent during the second quarter, App Annie reported earlier this month. The analytics firm credited the surge to strong performances in India and Brazil: "Android's open platform has given Google Play a very strong position in these markets because cell phone manufacturers like Samsung, HTC and LG are offering cheaper handsets and already have established distribution channels to market and sell their products," App Annie said.

The App Store nevertheless generated revenues 2.3x higher than Google Play during the second quarter, boosted by substantial growth in the music and social networking apps categories.

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